Racon chases Blues stay

Steve Wilson

Thery Racon is hoping to put a summer of uncertainty behind him as he chases a longer stay with Pompey.

The French midfielder rejoined the club on a month-long deal recently and is set to extend his stay after today’s home clash with Exeter City.

After impressing on a short-term arrangement last season, the former Millwall man was unable to agree terms with the Blues over the summer months as Pompey enforced a strict wage cap.

That meant Racon chose to keep his options open, but was then left without a club when the season started, leaving him to train alone with a fitness coach.

Now, after making four appearances since rejoining Guy Whittingham’s League Two side, the former Marseille trainee wants to prove he’s worth a longer deal.

‘In the summer, we just didn’t agree on the terms of the contract,’ said Racon.

‘I’ve been in football for quite a long time and I know it’s like this.

‘It’s been tough because the market is very hard for footballers. There are a lot of players out of contract with no job.

‘It’s been quite hard but it’s part of the game.

‘I haven’t got any regrets.

‘Everything happens for a reason. At the time, I made the right choice and I think I have made the right choice now to come back again.

‘I don’t look back – I look to the future.

‘I’ve had the opportunity for one month and I have tried my best to show them that I can get more than a month.

‘If there is more, I will take that. If it’s another month, I would take that as well.’

While some Blues fans might question his commitment to the cause, it’s perhaps understandable that Racon wanted to explore his options, having played predominantly in the Championship and League One since arriving in England.

But the bottom line is that a suitable offer did not materialise and he has accepted a monthly contract – even if it’s far from ideal for him.

He smiled: ‘If it’s between training on your own, waiting and waiting for the phone to ring or a one-month contract, what are you going to take?

‘Of course you would prefer a one-year or two-year deal.

‘But you take what you can and you get on with it.

‘Then it’s up to you to show people you deserve more.

‘I would be more comfortable if my family was here with me. With only a one-month contract, I can’t bring my family over from France.

‘But I need to work hard and hopefully something happens.’

And Racon insists that looking after his family is his main concern.

He added: ‘I’m playing because I love football – that’s my passion.

‘But I need to look after my family and make sure they are okay. That’s the thing I was more worried about.

‘My daughter is three years old so we want some stability and to settle in England.’